Contents

Introduction

Cisco Aironet Access Points are wireless LAN transceivers that can act as the connection point between wireless and wired networks or as the center point of a stand-alone wireless network. In large installations, the roaming functionality provided by multiple access points allows wireless users to move freely throughout the facility while maintaining uninterrupted access to the network. The 1200 series access point allows you to add a 5-GHz radio module for dual-radio operation, and the internal radio is accessible and can be upgraded as new radios become available.

The access point uses a browser-based management system. The system settings are contained on web pages in the access point's firmware. You use your internet browser, a command-line interface, or SNMP commands to adjust access point settings.

When you install firmware version 11.41T on your access points, you can:

•Associate up to 50 Cisco Aironet Workgroup Bridges to an access point.

•Combine MAC-Based, EAP, and 802.11 Open Authentication.

•Use SNMP commands to manage firmware and configuration files.

•Include a unique identifier in access point DHCP request packets.

New Features

Firmware version 11.41T includes these new software features:

•Ability to associate up to 50 workgroup bridges to an access point.

With firmware version 11.41T, you can select no for the new Classify Workgroup Bridges as Network Infrastructure setting to allow up to 50 workgroup bridges to associate to the access point. The default setting, yes, limits the number of workgroup bridges that can associate to the access point to an absolute limit of 27 and to a practical limit of around 20.

Note When you select no for the Classify Workgroup Bridges as Network Infrastructure setting, you must reboot workgroup bridges associated to the access point.

Access points normally treat workgroup bridges not as client devices but as infrastructure devices, like access points and bridges. Treating a workgroup bridge as an infrastructure device means that the access point reliably delivers multicast packets, including Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) packets, to the workgroup bridge.

The performance cost of reliable multicast delivery—duplication of each multicast packet sent to each workgroup bridge—limits the number of infrastructure devices, including workgroup bridges, that can associate to the access point. To increase beyond 27 the number of workgroup bridges that can associate to the access point, the access point must reduce the delivery reliability of multicast packets to workgroup bridges. With reduced reliability, the access point cannot confirm whether multicast packets reach the intended workgroup bridge, so workgroup bridges at the edge of the access point's coverage area might lose IP connectivity. When you treat workgroup bridges as client devices, you increase performance but reduce reliability.

With firmware version 11.41T, you can set up access points to authenticate client devices using a combination of MAC-based and EAP authentication. When you enable this feature, client devices that associate to the access point using IEEE 802.11 open authentication first attempt MAC authentication; if MAC authentication succeeds, the client device joins the network. If MAC authentication fails, the access point waits for the client device to attempt EAP authentication. Refer to the "Authenticating Client Devices Using MAC Addresses or EAP" section on page 4-34 in the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide for more information on this feature.

•Ability to use SNMP commands to manage firmware and configuration files.

With firmware version 11.41T, you can use SNMP object identifiers (OIDs) added to the access point MIB (AWCVX-MIB.my) to manage firmware and configuration files. You can find the latest version of the access point MIB at this URL:

Tells the access point to load the auxiliary user interface pages specified on the Web Server Setup page.

•Ability to include a unique identifier in access point DHCP request packets.

With firmware version 11.41T, you can use the DHCP Client Identifier Value setting on the Boot Server Setup page to include a unique identifier in the access point's DHCP request packet. This setting contains the access point's MAC address by default, but when you select Other - Non Hardware from the DHCP Client Identifier Type pull-down menu, you can enter up to 255 alphanumeric characters. See the "DHCP Client Identifier Value" section on page 3-54 in the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide for more information on this feature.

Installation Notes

You can find the latest release of access point firmware at the following URL:

Installation in Environmental Air Space

Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Points are suitable for use in environmental air space in accordance with Section 300-22(c) of the National Electrical Code.

Note If you plan to mount the access point in an area subject to environmental air space with the intention of upgrading to a 5-GHz radio, Cisco recommends that you mount the access point horizontally so that its antennas point down. Doing so will result in the access point complying with regulatory requirements for environmental air space after the 5-GHz radio is installed.

Caution The Cisco Aironet power injector has a smaller operating temperature range (32 to 104
oF; 0 to 40
oC) than the 1200 series access point. The power injector is not intended for use in extremely high or low temperatures or in environmental air spaces, such as above suspended ceilings.

Antenna Installation

For instructions on the proper installation and grounding of external antennas, refer to the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, and the Canadian Standards Association's Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54.

Warning Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or death.

Power Considerations

This section describes issues you should consider before applying power to the access point.

Caution The nominal voltage for 1200 series access points is 48VDC, and the access point is operational up to 60VDC. Voltage higher than 60VDC can damage the equipment.

Caution Cisco Aironet power injectors are designed for use with 1200 series access points only. Do not use the power injector with any other Ethernet-ready device. Using the power injector with other Ethernet-ready devices can damage the equipment.

Use Only One Power Option

You cannot provide redundant power to the access point with both DC power to its power port and inline power from a patch panel or powered switch to the access point's Ethernet port. If you apply power to the access point from both sources, the switch or power patch panel might shut down the port to which the access point is connected. Figure 1 shows the power configuration that can shut down the port on the patch panel or powered switch.

Figure 1 Improper Power Configuration Using Two Power Sources

Access Point Requires 1200 Series Universal Power Supply and Power Injector

You must use a 1200 series universal power supply to power the access point. If you need to use a power injector to inject power into the access point's Ethernet port, you must use a 1200 series power injector. The 350 series universal power supply and power injector are not compatible with the 1200 series access point.

System Requirements

You must have a 1200 series access point to install firmware version 11.41T.

Version Supported

Your access point must be running firmware version 11.40T or later to install firmware version 11.41T.

Upgrading to a New Firmware Release

Determining the Firmware Version

The firmware version number is in the upper-left corner of most management screens in the web-browser interface and at the top of the home (Summary Status) page in the command-line interface.

Note To upgrade firmware from a file server, you must enter settings on the access point's FTP Server Setup page. Refer to the "Updating from a File Server" section on page 6-5 in the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide for more information.

Limitations and Restrictions

This section describes limitations and restrictions for 1200 series access points.

Removing Power During Firmware Update Can Corrupt Radio Firmware

When you update the firmware on an access point, allow the unit to finish its start-up sequence before removing power. If you update the firmware and remove power before the unit finishes the start-up sequence, the radio firmware might be corrupted, making the unit inoperable. If the radio firmware is corrupted, the radio indicator (the bottom of the three indicators on top of the access point) lights steady red, and the following error message appears when the access point starts up:

Failed to start driver for port "awc0" (errno=0x006d0002)

If the radio firmware is corrupted, try resetting the unit to factory defaults using the :resetall command in the CLI; see the "Resetting to the Default Configuration" section on page 9-42 of the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point Software Configuration Guide for instructions on resetting the access point. If the unit cannot be reset to defaults, you must return the unit to Cisco for service.

Note The resetall command is valid for only 2 minutes immediately after the access point reboots.

You can safely remove power after a firmware update when the configuration management pages reappear in the command-line or web-browser interfaces, or when the three status indicators on top of the unit complete the following pattern:

1. All three indicators are steady green, meaning that the access point is beginning to update the firmware.

2. The middle indicator is steady green and the top and bottom indicators are off, indicating that the access point is updating the radio firmware.

When the middle indicator blinks or the top and bottom indicators blink, you can remove power.

EAP Authentication Requires Matching 802.1x Protocol Drafts

Note This section applies to wireless networks set up to use LEAP. If you do not use LEAP on your wireless network, you can skip this section.

Wireless client devices use Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to log onto a network and generate a dynamic, client-specific WEP key for the current logon session. If your wireless network uses WEP without EAP, client devices use the static WEP keys entered in the Aironet Client Utilities.

If you use Network-EAP authentication on your wireless network, your client devices and access points must use the same 802.1x protocol draft. For example, if the radio firmware on the client devices that will associate with an access point is 4.16, the access point should be configured to use Draft 8 of the 802.1x protocol. Table 1 lists firmware versions for Cisco Aironet products and the draft with which they comply.

1The functionality in Draft 10 is equivalent to the functionality in Draft 11, the ratified draft of the 802.1x standard.

2The default draft setting in access point firmware version 11.06 and later is Draft 10.

Use the Authenticator Configuration page to select the draft of the 802.1x protocol the access point should use. Follow these steps to set the draft for your access point:

Step 1 Browse to the Authenticator Configuration page in the access point management system:

a. On the Summary Status page, click Setup.

b. On the Setup page, click Security.

c. On the Security Setup page, click Authentication Server.

Step 2 Use the 802.1x Protocol Version (for EAP authentication) pull-down menu to select the draft of the 802.1x protocol the access point radio should use. Menu options include:

•Draft 7—No radio firmware versions compliant with Draft 7 have LEAP capability, so you should not need to select this setting.

•Draft 8—Select this option if LEAP-enabled client devices that associate with this access point use radio firmware versions 4.13, 4.16, or 4.23.

•Draft 10—This is the default setting. Select this option if client devices that associate with this access point use Microsoft Windows XP EAP authentication or if LEAP-enabled client devices that associate with this access point use radio firmware version 4.25 or later. The functionality in Draft 10 is equivalent to the functionality in Draft 11, the ratified draft of the 802.1x standard.

Step 3 Click Apply or OK to apply the setting. The access point reboots.

Select WEP Key 1 as Transmit Key for EAP Authentication

If you use Network-EAP as the authentication type on your wireless network, you must select key 1 as the transmit key on the access point AP Radio Data Encryption page. The access point uses the WEP key you enter in key slot 1 to encrypt multicast and broadcast data signals that it sends to EAP-enabled client devices. Because the access point transmits the WEP key used for multicast messages to the EAP-enabled client device during the EAP authentication process, that key does not have to appear in the EAP-enabled device's WEP key list. The access point uses a dynamic WEP key to encrypt unicast messages to EAP-enabled clients. When you set up a repeater access point to authenticate as a LEAP client, the repeater derives a dynamic WEP key and uses it to communicate with the root access point. Repeaters not set up for LEAP authentication use static WEP keys when communicating with other access points.

Note If you do not use EAP authentication on your wireless network, you can select any WEP key as the transmit key. If you use EAP authentication and you enable broadcast key rotation, you can enable WEP without entering WEP keys.

Important Notes

This section lists important information about access points running firmware version 11.41T.

New Default Setting for Data Beacon Rate (DTIM)

In firmware version 11.41T, the default setting for Data Beacon Rate (DTIM) on the AP Radio Hardware page is 1. This setting determines how often the access point's beacon contains a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM). The DTIM tells power-save client devices that a packet is waiting for them.

The new default setting causes client devices using power-save mode to wake up more often than the default setting in firmware version 11.40T, which was 2. To conserve battery power in client devices using power-save mode, increase the Data Beacon Rate (DTIM) setting.

Set Flow Control to None or Xon/Xoff When Using Terminal Emulator

The terminal emulator flow control setting for 1200 series access points (none or Xon/Xoff) differs from the flow control setting for 340 and 350 series access points (none, Xon/Xoff, or Hardware).

To use a terminal emulator to open the 1200 series access point's command-line interface (CLI), use these settings for the terminal emulator connection:

•9600 baud

•8 data bits

•No parity

•1 stop bit

•No flow control or Xon/Xoff

Reboot of Workgroup Bridges Required When Allowing More Than 20

With firmware version 11.41T, you can select no for the Classify Workgroup Bridges as Network Infrastructure setting on the AP/Root Radio Advanced page to allow up to 50 workgroup bridges to associate to the access point. When you select no for this setting, you must reboot workgroup bridges associated to the access point.

The Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) feature is enabled by default, and CDP is enabled for each of the access point's individual interfaces by default. However, if you disable CDP for one of the individual interfaces, the access point re-enables CDP for that interface when it reboots. If you disable CDP completely, the access point does not re-enable CDP on reboot.

Caveats

This section lists open and resolved software issues in firmware version 11.41T.

Getting Bug Information on Cisco.com

If you are a registered Cisco user, you can use the Cisco TAC Software Bug Toolkit, which consists of three tools (Bug Navigator, Bug Watcher, and Search by Bug ID Number) that help you identify existing bugs (or caveats) in Cisco software products.

Open Caveats

The following caveats have not been resolved for firmware version 11.41T:

•CSCdx03420—Radio might shut down when upgrading firmware.

When you upgrade access point firmware, the unit's radio might shut down. Workaround: Select yes for the Require use of Radio Firmware X.XX setting on the AP/Root Radio Advanced page and follow the upgrade steps again.

The Restore Defaults feature does not work on the CLI's Ethernet Protocol Filters and Root Radio Protocol Filters. Workaround: Use the web-browser interface to restore defaults on the Ethernet Protocol Filters and Root Radio Protocol Filters pages.

•CSCdx11703—Hot standby packets can flood the network.

Each time a standby access point checks the status of the access point it is monitoring, it sends 11 probe packets. If you have several access points on your network set up for hot standby, the probe packets can overload your network. Workaround: Enter a higher value for the Polling Frequency setting on the Hot Standby page. For example, instead of polling the monitored access point every few seconds, enter 600 in the Polling Frequency entry field to poll the monitored access point every ten minutes.

•CSCdw13878—Setting up hot standby when monitored access point's radio is disabled locks up standby access point.

If the radio is disabled on the monitored access point when you set up the standby access point, the standby access point reports an initialization failure and must be rebooted. Workaround: Make sure the monitored access point's radio is working when you set up the standby access point.

•CSCdw16742—Broadcast key rotation does not work with repeater access points.

When broadcast key rotation is enabled on a repeater access point that is authenticated to the network using LEAP, data cannot be passed between the repeater and the root access point. Workaround: Do not use broadcast key rotation on a repeater access point.

When the ACS server's session policy is configured for other than unlimited simultaneous LEAP logins and a LEAP-enabled client device roams away from the access point long enough for a STOP record to appear in the Radius Accounting log, the client cannot reauthenticate until it is purged from the list of logged-in users on the ACS server. Workaround: Set the server's IETF (028) idle timeout attribute to a low value so the server ends the roamed client's session and the client can start a new session when it returns.

•CSCdx19118—The access point reboots when more than 23 workgroup bridges are associated to it and you change one of these settings:

–SSID on the Express Setup or AP/Root Radio Hardware pages

–Classify Workgroup Bridges as Network Infrastructure on the AP/Root Radio Advanced page

–Requested Status on the AP/Root Radio Advanced page from Up to Down and back to Up

•CSCdx19270—When the Classify Workgroup Bridges as Network Infrastructure setting is set to yes on an access point with more than 23 workgroup bridges associated, the access point reboots when the workgroup bridges send small amounts of data. Workaround: Reduce the number of workgroup bridges associated to the access point, or change the Classify Workgroup Bridges as Network Infrastructure setting to no.

•CSCdx32469—When you set up a standby access point with LEAP enabled, the radio on the monitored access point shuts down approximately one minute after you enable hot standby. When the radio on the monitored access point shuts down, the standby access point takes over as the primary access point. Workaround: Enable static WEP or no WEP on the standby access point.

•CSCdx32480 and CSCdw90313—When you set up a repeater access point for LEAP authentication, you must enter the authentication server's IP address, not its DNS name, in the Server Name/IP entry field on the Authenticator Configuration page. If you use the server's DNS name, client devices cannot authenticate.

•CSCdw36550 and CSCdx13824—With all data rates enabled, the access point's Linktest feature sends all test packets at the highest available data rate. As attenuation increases (signal strength decreases), the access point does not send test packets at lower data rates as it should.

•CSCdw41286—Navigating from one screen to another in the CLI might reboot the access point. Workaround: If the access point reboots unexpectedly, use the web-browser interface to configure the unit.

•CSCdw42125—The access point might attempt to send MAC authentication requests to the server before the network is ready. The access points and associated client devices authenticate after a delay.

•CSCdw53237—When you change the access point's role in radio network from repeater to root, the link from the access point to the previous root device remains active. Workaround: Reboot the access point after changing its role from repeater to root.

•CSCdw64319—When you enter the SNMP command sysObjectID, the access point is identified as ciscoCAP350 rather than ciscoAIRAP1200.

•CSCdw83703—The access point sometimes reports this error when LEAP-enabled workgroup bridges are associated:

Could not allocate mBlk from netPool 0x00d0a5a8!

You can ignore these messages.

Resolved Caveats

The following caveats have been resolved in firmware version 11.41T:

•Resolved: CSCdw00747—SNMP command no longer locks administrators out of access point. It is no longer possible to use an SNMP command to remove privileges from all users defined in the access point User Manager without disabling User Manager.

•Resolved: CSCdx07623—When a client requiring MAC address authentication tries to authenticate, the access point now sends one and only one MAC address authentication request to the AAA server.

•Resolved: CSCdv10959—The Search for less-congested radio channel feature now works when World Mode is enabled.

•Resolved: CSCdw18269—The Maximum Multicast Packets/Second setting now retains its value after the access point reboots.

•Resolved: CSCdu19500—Access point no longer ignores vendor specific options from DHCP servers. Access points now recognize the vendor specific option (VSO) sent from DHCP servers in response to the access point's vendor class identifier, also called a DHCP identifier in the access point's web browser interface and CLI.

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM package, which is shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual subscription.

•Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).

Documentation Feedback

If you are reading Cisco product documentation on Cisco.com, you can submit technical comments electronically. Click Leave Feedback at the bottom of the Cisco Documentation home page. After you complete the form, print it out and fax it to Cisco at 408 527-0730.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

To submit your comments by mail, use the response card behind the front cover of your document, or write to the following address:

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools by using the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Web Site. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open access to Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Cisco.com is a highly integrated Internet application and a powerful, easy-to-use tool that provides a broad range of features and services to help you to

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two types of support are available through the Cisco TAC: the Cisco TAC Web Site and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center.

Inquiries to Cisco TAC are categorized according to the urgency of the issue:

•Priority level 2 (P2)—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of business operations. No workaround is available.

•Priority level 1 (P1)—Your production network is down, and a critical impact to business operations will occur if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.

Which Cisco TAC resource you choose is based on the priority of the problem and the conditions of service contracts, when applicable.

Cisco TAC Web Site

The Cisco TAC Web Site allows you to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. The site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. To access the Cisco TAC Web Site, go to the following URL:

All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco services contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site. The Cisco TAC Web Site requires a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to the following URL to register:

If you have Internet access, it is recommended that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC Web Site.

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses issues that are classified as priority level 1 or priority level 2; these classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer will automatically open a case.

To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to the following URL:

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the level of Cisco support services to which your company is entitled; for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). In addition, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number.